Press Play with Madeleine Brand

KCRW

4.5 (144)
NEWS
UPDATED DAILY

Host Madeleine Brand looks at news, culture and emerging trends through the lens of Los Angeles.

8 HR. AGO

Trump cabinet picks, Thanksgiving takeout spots, film reviews

President-elect Trump has nominated former Florida Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz to lead the Department of Justice, the most notable in a string of controversial Cabinet picks. Republicans now control the White House, Senate, and the House of Representatives. Two grassroots Democrats offer their advice on how to move forward. Critics review the latest film releases: “Red One,” “The World According to Allee Willis,” “All We Imagine as Light,” and “Hot Frosty.” Thanksgiving is right around the corner. If you’re not sure about your culinary skills, or are just too exhausted, we’ve got your Turkey Day options.

53 min
1 DAY AGO

Destination Crenshaw, why some CA voters have shifted right

A 1.3 mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard is supposed to be a future hub of Black arts and culture in LA. Residents are torn over what it’ll do to the neighborhood’s legacy and future. On Tuesday, President-elect Trump made good on a campaign promise to appoint Elon Musk head of what’ll be known as the Department of Government Efficiency — or “DOGE.” California’s 2024 election results show a political shift to the right. Support for President-elect Trump has risen since 2020, and voters have approved tough-on-crime measures Artist Doug Aitken’s new project “Lightscape” is a collaboration with the LA Philharmonic and LA Master Chorale that weaves music and film to create an ethereal and visual soundscape.

54 min
2 DAYS AGO

DTLA’s business exodus, DIY gardening, Martha Stewart documentary

Trans rights advocates are bracing for potential challenges as President-elect Donald Trump hints at policies that could threaten the community’s rights. Today, about one-third of office space in downtown LA sits empty. It’s a far cry from the once-booming real estate market in the city’s urban core. Why? Martha Stewart shares her journey from self-made billionaire to prison inmate to unlikely friend of Snoop Dogg in a revealing new documentary. Ron Finley grew up in South LA surrounded by a severe lack of nature. It pushed him to transform sections of his neighborhood into lush, edible gardens. Now, he’s bringing his DIY gardening practice to the Hammer Museum in Westwood.

52 min
3 DAYS AGO

California prepares to challenge Trump, Lijadu Sisters shape Afrobeat

California was at the forefront of challenging policy decisions of the first Trump administration in court and is preparing to do so again, particularly around the environment and reproductive rights. Anti-semitic attacks against Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam have shed light on the surprising history of the city’s most accomplished team, Ajax. Fans use hallmarks of Jewish culture to celebrate the team even though most fans aren’t Jewish themselves. LA-based author Rachel Kushner’s latest novel “Creation Lake” has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize. The novel explores the relationship between the leader of a radical leftist commune in France and the American spy sent to infiltrate it. The Lijadu Sisters helped define the Afrobeat sound of 1970s Nigeria when the scene was largely dominated by men. Now record label Numero Group is remastering and re-releasing the sisters’ five albums.

53 min
NOV 8

Harris’ performance with women, Trump’s impact on foreign policy

A majority of women voters cast ballots for Kamala Harris. But Harris did worse among women voters than Joe Biden did in 2020. Why? The war in Ukraine, the future of NATO, and what across-the-board tariffs could mean for Europe’s economy all loom large in a second Trump administration. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he may end wars as a gesture towards Trump, according to NPR. But doing so is complicated for both men. Critics review the latest film releases: “Heretic,” “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” “Christmas Eve in Miller's Point,” and “Small Things Like These.”

54 min
NOV 7

Look-ahead of Trump’s second presidency, CA and LA races recap

President-elect Donald Trump appears to be on track to win all seven battleground states and is ahead in the popular vote. The GOP has also won the Senate, and could keep control of the House. The Supreme Court’s ruling that past and future presidents are immune from prosecution for official acts could give President-elect Trump wide latitude to wield power. In California, high-profile ballot initiatives passed, like re-criminalizing some theft and drug offenses, and enshrining marriage equality in the state constitution. LA County voters ousted progressive District Attorney George Gascón and approved Measure A. Kevin de León is likely to lose his City Council seat.

54 min
NOV 6

How to track election results, why kids aren’t watching legacy TV

Will Americans know, or have a good sense at least, of who our next president will be by the end of election night? Polls show a majority of voters are concerned about violence following the election. Officials are monitoring threats and working to safeguard the vote. Abraham Lincoln’s close friendships with four men may have been sexual relationships too, according to a new documentary called “Lover of Men. Ratings for Nickelodeon and the Disney Channel have plummeted in the last decade. Kids aren’t watching TV the way they used to, or even the shows they used to.

53 min
NOV 4

Pre-Election Day polling results, Quincy Jones remembrance

A new poll shows Harris surprisingly winning Iowa, another shows swing states leaning toward Trump but within the margin of error. KCRW talks about the state of the presidential race. This presidential election is the most litigated in history, breaking a record set by the 2020 contest. The RNC has filed 130 lawsuits, and recent court decisions involve who can vote and how votes are counted. KCRW celebrates Quincy Jones' legacy by revisiting a 2018 interview with the cultural icon and his daughter — about a documentary highlighting his extraordinary life. The latest season of the KCRW podcast takes listeners to the Sunset Strip of the 1960s and 1970s. There, center stage and bathed in limelight, are the groupies.

53 min

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Madeleine Bernadotte

Host

4.5

out of 5

144 Ratings

Great show, love KCRW, can’t go wrong!!

10/10/2023

ZephyrDogTown

Great show, love KCRW, can’t go wrong!!
Madeleine Bernadotte??

07/03/2023

Allen in the hills

Love the show! It’s my favorite show! But has anyone noticed that it says the host is Madeleine Bernadotte at Apple Podcast??
A Must Listen for Californians and beyond

05/18/2022

SonmonGoodMon

Love Madeline and Press Play! A must listen to be plugged into everything LA and California.
Interview with Adrian Bonnenberger (military)

08/24/2021

Zozobutt

I really appreciate hearing the interview with the army officer who is trying to get his interpreter out. This is a humanitarian catastrophe which will be forgotten unless Biden takes more action.